Leicester City

Leicester City: Mike McGrath discusses Philippe Coutinho

|
Image for Leicester City: Mike McGrath discusses Philippe Coutinho

Journalist Mike McGrath has been discussing the future of Barcelona midfielder and reported Leicester City target Philippe Coutinho.

The La Liga side are in a financial crisis at the moment and are in desperate need to try and get rid of some of their players if they are to ease the burden. The former Liverpool man could be one of the players that will have to be jettisoned, with reports from Spain claiming that Leicester City, along with the two Milan clubs, are interested in his services.

1 of 8
Merseyside derby, Liverpool and Everton

Who scored the opening goal in Liverpool's 4-3 win over Leeds United at Anfield in September?

The Brazilian, valued at £27m on Transfermarkt, played for current Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers during their time at Liverpool, so Rodgers should know how to best utilise his playing abilities. However, according to McGrath, who was speaking on the latest edition of Touchline Talk, there might be some trouble when it comes to the financial side of the deal:

“I think that it’s a big, big investment, even to go on loan, to cover his wages. I still think that he’s perceived as a risk for one of the Champions League teams to put that money out for him for a season, or to take him even in a £20m deal.

“Maybe one of the Europa League teams might take a chance on him and say ‘we can invest in him and he might be able to drag us up into the top four’.”

TIF Thoughts on Mike McGrath’s comments about Philippe Coutinho…

Should Leicester pursue Coutinho?

Yes

Yes

No

No

There is clearly a deal to be done for someone like Coutinho, with Barcelona seemingly desperate to offload him – the only problem is just how much it is going to cost.

Leicester have come agonisingly close to finishing in the Champions League places two seasons in a row now – and Coutinho, who, during his last fully-fit season, showed off his attacking prowess, might just be the person to push them over the top, as McGrath suggested.

At the age of 29, it might be a little risky to try and take him on a permanent deal just yet, but if they could bring him in on loan and get one good year out of him that pushes them into the Champions League, he’ll have paid them back and then some.

In other news: ‘It’s done’ – Fabrizio Romano drops big Leicester transfer update

Share this article

Freelance sports journalist & broadcaster.